Steering play 380SL, help?
 

I replaced a lot of the front-end pieces including new couplings and the car has been aligned... The car is smooth but I still have some play... When I corner the car or turn the wheel it sways too easy from on side to the other..... Any other suggestions....?
:confused:

You need to be specific about what you replaced. Almost all the front and rear suspension and sway-bar bushings can cause similar problems if bad, as well as loose or broken links, all the steering pivots, and the steering box adjustment.

Steve

Some steering "slop/play" is normal. MB forever used the old steering gearbox system, vs rack and pinon. Per my MB service manual for a W116 chassis, up to 25mm (1 inch)of play, turning left to right, is within specs.

There is a seriously ugly procedure in the manual to adjust the play from below. But if you have a high-mileage car, you probably need a new steering box. Replacement (also ugly) is six hours labor. Rebuilt boxes are available for around $300.

Try Tightening up your box before putting a new one in there. I did it and it made a world of difference. However, you must do this in small increments or you will destroy the box by over-tightening it. Replace your steering shock too if you haven't. It is only 30$ and is easy to do. Will also tighten things up a bunch if it is old and worn. Mike